Critical Thinking: Living Behind the Wall
Imagine you are living in East Germany during the Cold War. You work at a local factory which makes automobiles. You spend nine hours each day attaching bumpers to the cars. You do not have the freedom to change your job. And you have not received a raise since you started working at the factory five years ago. Your family of five lives in a one bedroom apartment with no heat or air conditioning. You have barely enough money to buy the amount of food needed to keep everyone from feeling hungry. Moreover, no one you know ever has the money for new clothes.
One day, a fellow worker tells you that in West Germany the automobile workers are paid five times the amount you are. They have money to buy whatever food they like and their homes are three times the size of your apartment. This fellow worker then tells you that you can get to West Germany by going to Hungary, and then Austria.
As a person in the above situation, consider the advantages and disadvantages of escaping to West Germany. Gather information as to the risk that was involved for East Germans to escape their country before the reunification of Germany. Because you are responsible for your family’s well-being and survival, you must take them with you. Decide what you would do and how you would do it.
Draw a map that outlines your escape route from Werneuchen, East Germany, to Gyor, Hungary, through Austria, and finally to Munich, West Germany. Deliver an oral presentation about the map that details the methods of transportation you would use to effect your escape.
Introduction:
Living behind the wall in East Germany during the Cold War was a challenging and oppressive experience. As a factory worker, I have faced stagnant wages, poor living conditions, and limited freedom. However, the opportunity to escape to West Germany provides a glimpse of hope for a better life. In this critical thinking exercise, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of escaping and present a map outlining my possible escape route from Werneuchen, East Germany, to Munich, West Germany.
Advantages of escaping to West Germany:
1. Higher wages: A fellow worker informed me that automobile workers in West Germany are paid five times the amount we receive. This means that I could provide better financial support for my family and improve our living conditions.
2. Improved living conditions: In West Germany, people enjoy larger homes with central heating and air conditioning. This would significantly enhance the comfort and well-being of my family, which is currently living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment without proper heating or cooling.
3. Access to better quality food: The ability to buy whatever food we need and desire would ensure that my family no longer has to worry about going hungry. This would greatly improve our overall health and well-being.
4. Availability of resources and opportunities: West Germany offers a wide range of opportunities for career growth and personal development. This could provide a chance for me to find a job that aligns with my skills and interests, ultimately improving job satisfaction and financial stability.
Disadvantages and Risks:
1. The risk of getting caught: Attempting to escape East Germany was heavily guarded, and those caught faced severe consequences, including imprisonment or even death. The risk of being caught and separated from my family is a significant concern.
2. Leaving behind loved ones: In the pursuit of a better life, I would have to leave behind friends and family who may not be able to escape with me. This could cause emotional distress and a sense of guilt.
3. Unknown challenges in a foreign country: Moving to a new country with a different language, culture, and way of life can be overwhelming. Adapting to these changes and building a new life from scratch can be a difficult and daunting task.
Escape route and transportation methods:
To navigate the escape route from Werneuchen, East Germany, to Munich, West Germany, I would consider utilizing various modes of transportation to minimize the chances of detection and increase the likelihood of a successful escape.
1. Phase 1: Werneuchen to Gyor, Hungary:
- Travel by cautious foot during the nighttime to avoid detection.
- Utilize hidden rural pathways and less populated areas to decrease the chances of encounters with authorities.
2. Phase 2: Gyor, Hungary, to Austria:
- Seek assistance from underground networks or sympathetic locals who may help facilitate the passage from Hungary to Austria.
- Utilize public transportation such as trains or buses, ensuring to blend in with other travelers.
3. Phase 3: Austria to Munich, West Germany:
- Utilize public transportation methods prevalent between Austria and West Germany, such as trains or shared cars.
- Choose routes and avoid suspicious checkpoints or areas of high scrutiny.
Conclusion:
Escaping from behind the wall in East Germany to West Germany provided the possibility of a better life for myself and my family. Despite the risks involved, the advantages of higher wages, improved living conditions, better food, and career opportunities outweighed the disadvantages. The chosen escape route of Werneuchen to Gyor, Hungary, through Austria, and finally to Munich, West Germany required careful planning and efficient use of transportation methods to decrease the chances of being caught. Through this critical thinking exercise, I have gained a deeper understanding of the complex decision-making processes and challenges faced by those considering escape during the Cold War era.